Department for Transport

Oxford-Hereford Railway Line

Harriett Baldwin: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what information his Department has received from Network Rail on the feasibility of the North Cotswold Line taskforce strategic outline business case.

Chris Heaton-Harris: Network Rail is continuing undertake a review of the business case at the Department’s request. This is expected to be completed in early summer, however the constraints of the current COVID19 situation may have an impact on the timescales for both the review and the Department’s subsequent consideration of the Task Force’s request for funding to develop the case and its entry into the Rail Network Enhancement Pipeline (RNEP).

Railways: Coronavirus

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 4 May 2020 to Question 39619 on Railways: Coronavirus, what assessment he has made of the difference in cost to railway season ticket holders that have not used their season tickets as a result of the Government's measures to prevent the transmission of covid-19 of obtaining (a) a refund and (b) an extension for time unused on those tickets.

Chris Heaton-Harris: As season tickets offer a discount relative to the alternative of buying other tickets, refunds are calculated based on the alternative fares that could have been purchased for the journeys made. The amount refunded to each passenger depends on what proportion of their ticket they have already used, with season tickets having a refund value except for the last seven weeks of an annual season ticket, one week of a monthly ticket, and three days of a weekly ticket. However, as many annual season tickets are bought in December, the majority of season ticket holders will be entitled to a refund for time unused on their ticket. We have allowed season ticket holders to backdate their claim to 17th March, when ‘do not travel’ advice was first introduced, and they now have up to 56 days to submit their claim. Since 17th March over 100,000 season ticket holders have claimed season ticket refunds totalling over £150 million in response to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Department of Health and Social Care

Coronavirus: Older People

Carla Lockhart: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of establishing a dedicated helpline for the elderly in response to the covid-19 outbreak.

Helen Whately: The Secretary of State and the Northern Ireland health minister Robin Swann agreed to replace the Northern Ireland dedicated helpline with the well-known NHS 111 advice line to ensure that people in Northern Ireland have access to the same level of advice as citizens in England.Our action plan published on 15 April 2020, www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-adult-social-care-action-plan supports care providers, the care workforce, unpaid carers, local authorities and the NHS for their ongoing hard work to maintain services and continue to provide high quality and safe social care to people throughout the pandemicWhere possible, the public (including older people, although we recognise internet usage is lower amongst this age group), are urged to seek guidance and advice on the COVID-19 outbreak via the government website www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

Social Workers: South Yorkshire

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the financial effect of the outbreak of covid-19 on social care workers on zero-hour contracts in South Yorkshire.

Helen Whately: Holding answer received on 23 March 2020



We know social care will be a vital part of our response to COVID-19, with providers looking after some of the most vulnerable in society. On 15 April 2020 the government published ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19): adult social care action plan’ which can be read here:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-adult-social-care-action-planThis document sets out the government’s plan for:- controlling the spread of infection in care settings;- supporting the workforce;- supporting independence, supporting people at the end of their lives, and responding to individual needs; and- supporting local authorities and the providers of care.We announced £1.6 billion funding for local authorities to help support adult social care providers and staff, including costs that may arise from needing to hire new staff quickly and costs to providers to support workers on zero-hour contracts.As part of the Government’s emergency legislation measures, Statutory Sick Pay will be available from day one for those affected by COVID-19. Anyone on zero-hour contracts who may not be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay will be able to claim Universal Credit or New Style Employment and Support Allowance, dependent on their circumstances.It is vital we look after those employed in the care sector, and the Government is committed to ensuring that no care worker has to choose between doing the right thing and facing financial issues. Changes to the benefits regime and additional funding for adult social care will help to support workers.

Coronavirus: Intensive Care

Meg Hillier: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when he was notified that the number of critical care beds would be inadequate to deal with the predicted number of cases of covid-19.

Edward Argar: Holding answer received on 21 April 2020



The Secretary of State held a series of meetings in February and March to review critical care bed capacity within the National Health Service (NHS) and COVID-19 case number projections provided by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies. There is currently enough capacity in the critical care network to look after all coronavirus patients and others who need care, and this is being kept under constant review. The NHS is continuing to build on that capacity, which has included building new Nightingale Hospitals and agreeing a landmark deal with the independent sector to alleviate pressure on Intensive Care Unit departments when and where needed.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Sir John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the criteria are for removing the social distancing restrictions that the Government has put in place in response to the covid-19 outbreak.

Helen Whately: On 23 March 2020 the Prime Minister announced several social distancing measures in order to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the United Kingdom. The guidance for these measures can be found at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-othersThe social distancing measures will initially last for the three weeks from 23 March, at which point the Government will look at them again and relax them if the evidence shows this is possible.At all times the Government has been guided by the advice of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, this advice will be a key factor in the relaxation of social distancing measures. SAGE’s advice is regularly published and can be found at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/scientific-advisory-group-for-emergencies-sage-coronavirus-covid-19-response

DNACPR Decisions

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has plans to issue guidance to (a) Clinical Commissioning Groups and (b) care homes on the use of Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders; and whether he has made an assessment of the veracity of claims that people have been pressured into signing DNR forms.

Helen Whately: Holding answer received on 27 April 2020



We are aware of some recent reports concerning the inappropriate use of Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) forms. It is long-standing best practice that conversations about the end of life decisions and treatments, that may or not be appropriate, should take place on a case by case basis. Discussions and decisions should take place between the individual (and those people who are important to them should they wish) and the multi-professional care team supporting them. Where a person lacks the capacity to engage in such conversations, a plan should be developed following best interest guidelines with the involvement of those who know the individual best.In response to concerns, the British Medical Association, Care Provider Alliance, Care Quality Commission and Royal College of General Practice issued a joint statement on advanced care planning on 1 April 2020, setting out best practice and making clear that it is unacceptable for advance care plans, with or without DNR form completion, to be applied to groups of people of any description and decisions and discussions should take place on an individual basis. The statement can be viewed at the following link:www.rcgp.org.uk/about-us/news/2020/april/joint-statement-on-advance-care-planning.aspxFurthermore, a letter to the system from Ruth May, Chief Nursing Officer, and Steve Powis, National Medical Director at NHS England and NHS Improvement was sent out on 7 April 2020, addressing concerns recently raised regarding the use of DNR forms and supporting best practice in the application of advance care plans. The letter can be found at the following link:www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/wp-content/uploads/sites/52/2020/04/maintaining-standards-quality-of-care-pressurised-circumstances-7-april-2020.pdfFinally, guidance on the appropriate use of DNR forms and management of end of life care plans was set out in the Adult Social Care Action Plan, published on 15 April 2020. The guidance can be found at the following link:www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-adult-social-care-action-plan

Coronavirus: Statistics

Mr Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the effect on his Department's policies to tackle covid-19 of excluding covid-19 related deaths in (a) care homes and (b) other non-NHS settings from official statistics

Mr Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on including covid-19 related deaths in (a) care homes and (b) other non-NHS settings in official statistics.

Helen Whately: The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care is regularly updated with COVID-19-related deaths and has regular discussions about them with Cabinet colleagues. On 29 April 2020 the Government introduced a new daily death reporting protocol which includes deaths that have occurred in all settings where there has been a positive COVID-19 test such as hospitals, care homes and the wider community. More information can be found at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/news/daily-death-reporting-now-includes-all-positive-covid-19-deaths The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is also publishing stats from deaths registered in a given week, which include deaths outside hospital, including care homes and non-National Health Service settings. From 28 April 2020, the ONS will publish counts of deaths involving COVID-19 in care homes, based on reporting from care home operators to the Care Quality Commission. These figures will put deaths involving COVID-19 in care homes in proper context, alongside the ONS’s more comprehensive figures.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps to introduce (a) more stringent testing at airports and (b) a period of quarantine for people entering the UK from regions that have a high incidence of covid-19.

Ms Nadine Dorries: Holding answer received on 27 April 2020



As with our wider response to the pandemic, the Government’s approach to the use of additional measures at our border will continue to be guided by robust scientific evidence. Current advice for passengers arriving back to the United Kingdom can be found at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirusHowever, our approaches are being kept under review as the pandemic develops. This may mean that measures and procedures change as the Government controls the spread of, and understands more about, the virus. Any changes to our approach will be led by advice from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies and the Chief Medical Officer. Protecting the health of the UK public will always come first.

Care Homes: Coronavirus

Mr Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that deaths from covid-19 in care homes are accurately recorded.

Helen Whately: Holding answer received on 27 April 2020



On 29 April 2020 the Government introduced a new daily death reporting protocol which includes deaths that have occurred in all settings where there has been a positive COVID-19 test such as hospitals, care homes and the wider community. More information can be found at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/news/daily-death-reporting-now-includes-all-positive-covid-19-deathsThe Office for National Statistics (ONS) is also publishing stats from deaths registered in a given week, which include deaths outside hospital such as care homes. From 28 April 2020, the ONS will publish counts of deaths involving COVID-19 in care homes, based on reporting from care home operators to the Care Quality Commission. These figures will put deaths involving COVID-19 in care homes in proper context, alongside the ONS’s more comprehensive figures.

Coronavirus: Intensive Care

John Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the recovery rate is for people admitted to intensive care with covid-19.

Edward Argar: The Public Health England COVID-19 Hospitalisations in England Surveillance System (CHESS) monitors intensive care unit admissions in all National Health Service acute trusts, including recovery. Patient outcome data are currently incomplete and so not yet published. Efforts are in progress to improve completeness and once of adequate quality the data will be reported.

Coronavirus: Screening

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans he has to introduce mass community testing for covid-19.

Ms Nadine Dorries: Testing is a key part of the United Kingdom’s response to COVID-19, as set out in the Government’s recently published Testing Strategy.The Government’s ultimate goal remains that anyone who needs a test should be able to access one and we will continue to expand our capacity until this is achieved. As our capacity has continued to increase, we have now expanded testing to the following groups in England (Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland operate their own lists and criteria).Where symptomatic:- Essential workers (list on GOV.UK) including National Health Service and social care;- Anyone who has to travel to get to work;- Over 65s; and- Symptomatic household members for any of the above. Where asymptomatic:- NHS workers and patients with or without symptoms, in line with NHS England guidance; and- Social care workers and residents in care homes with or without symptoms, both to investigate outbreaks and, following successful pilots, as part of a rolling programme to test all care homes.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Barbara Keeley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the Answer of 27 April 2020 to Question 34934 on Coronavirus: Disease and Control, and the SAGE paper entitled Potential impact of behavioural and social interventions on an epidemic of Covid-19 in the UK, for what reason at its 10 March 2020 meeting SAGE agreed a change in the age at which people would be asked to socially distance from 65 to 70.

Helen Whately: Holding answer received on 04 May 2020



The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) is an advisory group. At its 10 March 2020 meeting, SAGE provided advice on enhanced distancing measures for vulnerable groups, based on consideration of the likely effectiveness of different options. This advice draws upon a range of inputs including modelling, clinical expertise and behavioural science, amongst others.

Health Services: Coronavirus

Apsana Begum: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to implement the recommendations of (a) the WHO and (b) UNHCR on ensuring that everyone can access healthcare (i) without charge and (ii) safely during the covid-19 outbreak.

Edward Argar: Patient safety remains a priority for the National Health Service and has been a key element of the Government response to the COVID-19 pandemic.Regulations came into force on 29 January 2020 to add Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) (now known as COVID-19) to the list of infectious diseases within Schedule 1 of the National Health Service (Charges to Overseas Visitors) Regulations 2015. This means everyone, including all overseas visitors and migrants, can already access testing and treatment for COVID-19 without charge.To help ensure that no one is deterred from safely accessing healthcare for COVID-19, this information has been widely communicated to NHS staff and the public and has been translated into 40 languages.

Care Homes: Coronavirus

Sir Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make it the policy of the Government that no death certificate issued in respect of a care home resident in England should include reference to covid-19 unless a test has established that (a) the patient died with covid-19 and (b) covid-19 was the primary cause of death; and if he will make a statement.

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of to Question 41019, what assessment he has made of the potential under-reporting of deaths in the community from covid-19 as the result of GPs not being present to complete medical certificates of cause of death since 1 March 2020; if he will issue guidance that in (a) confirmed and (b) suspected cases in the absence of a positive test for covid-19, explicit reference to covid-19 should be made when medical practitioners complete medical certificates of cause of death; and if he will make a statement.

Ms Nadine Dorries: In response to the provisions in the Coronavirus Act 2020 in relation to death certification, the General Register Office/Home Office and the Office for National Statistics published revised guidance to medical practitioners completing medical certificates cause of death (MCCD) for a period of emergency. Medical practitioners are expected to state the cause of death to the best of their knowledge and belief. This guidance confirms that COVID-19 is an acceptable direct or underlying cause of death for the purposes of completing the MCCD.

Care Homes: Coronavirus

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of whether patients who have not tested positive for covid-19 should be discharged from hospitals or referred from community settings to care homes where there are confirmed cases of that virus; what reports he has received of such (i) hospital discharges and (ii) referrals to care homes; and if he will make a statement.

Helen Whately: Holding answer received on 04 May 2020



The safety of residents and staff is a priority. We announced in our Adult Social Care Action Plan on 15 April 2020, that testing will be provided to all care home residents before they are discharged from hospital into a care home, we will also move to testing residents being referred from the community to ensure that they can receive appropriate care.The ‘Admission and Care of Residents during COVID-19 Incident in a Care Home’, published on 2 April 2020 sets out guidance on infection control and cohorting advice to care homes. All residents, whether COVID-positive or not, can be safely cared for in a care home if appropriate infection control, isolation and cohorting advice is followed.If appropriate isolation/cohorted care is not available with a local care provider, the individual’s local authority will be asked to secure alternative appropriate accommodation and care for the remainder of the required isolation period.This is an unprecedented global pandemic and we will continue to review our guidance in line with scientific advice.

Hospitals: Coronavirus

Sir Desmond Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will publish daily statistics for recovery and discharge of covid-19 patients from hospital.

Edward Argar: Holding answer received on 11 May 2020



The number of people who have been admitted with COVID-19 or discharged from hospital after recovering from COVID-19 is not currently available or published in the format requested. NHS England is keeping what data it publishes under regular review.

Coronavirus: Detention Centres

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 30 April 2020 to Question 38618, on Detention Centres, for what reasons information on the number of covid-19 tests conducted in immigration removal centres is not held; and if he will make a statement.

Ms Nadine Dorries: Holding answer received on 11 May 2020



The overall number of tests for COVID-19 is published daily by the Government and is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-publicHowever, the information is not broken down to the level of detail being requested.

NHS: Voluntary Work

Munira Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many referrals to NHS Volunteer Responders have been made through the GoodSAM Responder app by (a) type of support required and (b) local authority.

Helen Whately: Holding answer received on 11 May 2020



As of 6 May 2020, a total number of 46,655 referrals have been made to the NHS Volunteer Responders programme of which 10,465 referrals have come from local authorities.NHS Volunteer Responders have signed up to carry out four tasks including the community Response role which involves collecting shopping, medication or other essential supplies for someone who is self-isolating, the patient transport role which supports the National Health Service by providing transport to patients who are medically fit for discharge, the NHS transport role which involves transporting equipment, supplies or medication between NHS sites and the check-in and chat role which is short-term telephone support to individuals who are at risk of loneliness as a consequence of self-isolation.We do not hold the data on task by referral but we can provide the number of each type of task carried out. The following table sets out the number of tasks that have been completed by NHS Volunteer Responders across the four categories of support as of 6 May. 6 May 2020Community response74,595Check in and chat23,047NHS transport4,290Patient transport1,387Not specified-Total103,319

Mental Health Services: Waiting Lists

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many people on average were on the waiting list for mental health services in England in (a) 2010 and (b) 2019.

Ms Nadine Dorries: We do not hold this information in the format requested. Currently, access and waiting times standards exist for Adult Improving Access to Psychological Therapies services, Early Intervention for Psychosis services, and Children and Young People's Eating Disorder Services. These standards are being met or are on track for delivery by the end of 2020/21.The National Health Service has also committed to testing and rolling out further waiting time standards for adults and children as part of the NHS Long Term Plan.

Coronavirus: Mental Health Services

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans he has to offer psychological support to people who have received hospital treatment for covid-19.

Ms Nadine Dorries: Work is underway to plan for an expected increase in demand for patients needing mental health support due to COVID-19, including those directly affected following a stay in hospital. Existing mental health services are open and available for any person requiring support.

NHS: Mental Health Services

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many calls have been made to the NHS staff mental health hotline in each week since 1 April 2020.

Ms Nadine Dorries: On 8 April, the National Health Service launched a mental health hotline as part of a package of measures to support the NHS’s 1.4 million staff as they help people deal with COVID-19.As of 7 May, 1,625 calls have been made to the hotline.

Health Services: Mortality Rates

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the mortality rate was for (a) mental health services and (b) each NHS trust in each of the last three years.

Ms Nadine Dorries: Information on mortality rates in mental health trusts and other mental health services is not collected centrally.

Mental Health Services: Children and Young People

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many referrals have been received in England for NHS Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services in each week since 1 March 2020.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The requested data is not yet available as it is still being collected. When collected, it will be published in the National Health Service mental health services monthly statistics.

Mental Health Services: Coronavirus

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the ability of NHS psychiatric wards to function effectively whilst following social distancing measures during the covid-19 outbreak.

Ms Nadine Dorries: NHS England and NHS Improvement have published guidance for mental health, learning disabilities and autism, and specialised commissioning services during the pandemic. It provides considerations for National Health Service commissioned services to help them meet the general principles laid out in that document, including that people with mental health needs, a learning disability or autism receive the same degree of protection and support with managing COVID-19 as other people, that decisions balance clinical need, patient safety and risk, and that providers maximise the use of digital technologies to ensure continuity of care.The Care Quality Commission, as the independent regulator of health and social care in England, also continues, through its emergency support framework, to take action to keep people safe and support providers.

Mental Health Services

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many referrals were received in England for NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapies Services in each week since 1 March 2020.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The requested data is not yet available as it is still being collected. When collected, it will be published in the National Health Service mental health services monthly statistics.

Coronavirus: Death Certificates

Munira Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the effect of changes to death certification on the operation of covid-19 data gathering.

Ms Nadine Dorries: In response to the provisions in the Coronavirus Act 2020 in relation to death certification, the General Register Office/Home Office and the Office for National Statistics published revised guidance to medical practitioners completing medical certificates cause of death (MCCD) for a period of emergency. Medical practitioners are expected to state the cause of death to the best of their knowledge and belief. This guidance confirms that COVID-19 is an acceptable direct or underlying cause of death for the purposes of completing the MCCD.The causes of death mentioned on the completed certificate are coded using the World Health Organization (WHO) International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). The WHO has introduced two new ICD-10 codes for COVID-19, code U07.1 meaning a confirmed case, and code U07.2 meaning a suspected case. These are allocated according to the words used on the death certificate.

NHS: Voluntary Work

Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many and what proportion of NHS volunteer responders have been cleared to undertake tasks to support the NHS; and whether it is his policy that those volunteers should also undertake tasks in support of (a) care homes and the (b) National Care Force.

Helen Whately: Holding answer received on 11 May 2020



As of 7 May 2020, out of the 750,000 people who have signed up to the NHS Volunteer Responders programme, 589,731 have completed the necessary identity checks to begin helping those most vulnerable. The volunteers will undertake four community-based tasks, including shopping and collecting medication for someone who is self-isolating and telephone support to individuals at risk of loneliness.The NHS Volunteer Responders programme was set up to provide direct support to vulnerable people, and to reduce the pressure on the National Health Service and social care during the pandemic. Social care providers and local authorities are able to refer vulnerable people into the programme, while individuals themselves and carers can now also self-refer for volunteer support. NHS England and NHS Improvement and the Department are engaging with the social care sector to consider how volunteers can further support social care services, taking into account social distancing and infection control measures.

NHS: Computer Software

Mr David Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether there is sufficient interoperability between NHS England and NHS Wales IT systems for the effective operation of a test, trace and track app.

Ms Nadine Dorries: Holding answer received on 12 May 2020



The Department and NHSX have been working closely with our partners in the devolved administrations throughout this outbreak. The National Health Service COVID-19 app will be available throughout the United Kingdom and the devolved administrations may choose to use the app as part of their response to COVID-19. A representative from each devolved administration has been sitting on the NHS COVID-19 app oversight board since mid-March. There is also a working group that is ensuring the NHS COVID-19 app can be integrated with devolved administrations’ test and trace plans.

Social Services: Staff

Selaine Saxby: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to help ensure the adequacy of staffing levels in the social care sector during the covid-19 outbreak.

Helen Whately: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 5 May 2020 to Question 902192.

NHS: Computer Software

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how the privacy protective gateway between the covid-19 contact tracing app and the NHSX covid-19 data platform will work; and whether its design will be published.

Ms Nadine Dorries: Holding answer received on 12 May 2020



The Data Protection Impact Assessment and Privacy Notice for the app set out how the data voluntarily provided by a user is stored and used. At present, data is stored on separate infrastructure to other National Health Service systems. If the storage of data changes, we will inform users through the privacy notice.

Psychiatric Patients: Coronavirus

Barbara Keeley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many deaths have been notified due to covid-19 where the place of death is a mental health unit or ward.

Ms Nadine Dorries: Holding answer received on 12 May 2020



The Care Quality Commission (CQC) publishes an annual report ‘Monitoring the Mental Health Act’ which includes annual data for notifications to the CQC of deaths of people detained under the Mental Health Act.The CQC has reported that, from 1 March to 1 May 2020, it had been notified of 54 deaths that mental health providers had indicated were suspected or confirmed to be COVID-19-related. This includes people who were detained in hospital and people subject to the Mental Health Act who were in the community.

Midwives: Training

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions officials of his Department have had with universities on preparations to accommodate the planned increase in student midwife training places in autumn 2020.

Helen Whately: Holding answer received on 12 May 2020



Health Education England as the leader of the healthcare education and training system is currently undertaking scenario planning regarding future midwifery expansion targets to deliver the commitment for 25% growth (3,650 placements) by 2023. This will inform regional and national discussions with key stakeholders, including universities, about clinical placement capacity and the future phasing of targets for autumn 2020 and onwards.

Carers: Children and Young People

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what additional support his Department is providing to young carers during the covid-19 outbreak.

Helen Whately: Holding answer received on 12 May 2020



The Government has published guidance for both schools and local authorities on how best to support to families and protect vulnerable children during COVID-19. This is available on GOV.UK. In addition, local authority duties to assess the needs of young carers, under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989, are unchanged. During the COVID-19 outbreak children’s social care services and local authorities should be maintaining their responsibilities under the Act to ensure young carers are identified and referred to appropriate support if needed.The Government has also committed over £100 million to boost remote learning, including providing devices and internet access to vulnerable children who need it most, including young carers who have social workers. Schools continue to receive additional funding through the pupil premium – worth around £2.4 billion annually - to help them support their disadvantaged pupils. Local authorities have also been given over £3.2 billion of extra funding to help address the pressures faced in responding to COVID-19, including children’s social care.We have published guidance for those who provide unpaid care to friends or family in relation to COVID-19 and are working closely with young carers and young carers organisations on additional guidance for young carers. this will include information on how and where they can get help and support. The guidance will be published shortly.

Industrial Diseases: Coronavirus

Stephanie Peacock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that industrial chest disease is examined as a potential cause of death in the event that a retired miner dies of suspected covid-19.

Ms Nadine Dorries: Holding answer received on 12 May 2020



In response to the provisions in the Coronavirus Act 2020 in relation to death certification, the General Register Office/Home Office and the Office for National Statistics published revised guidance to medical practitioners completing medical certificates cause of death (MCCD) for a period of emergency. Medical practitioners are expected to state the cause of death to the best of their knowledge and belief. This guidance confirms that COVID-19 is an acceptable direct or underlying cause of death for the purposes of completing the MCCD. The notification of death regulations 2019, 3(1)(ix) includes the requirement of notification to the coroner if the registered medical practitioner suspects that that the person’s death was due to an injury or disease attributable to any employment held by the person during the person’s lifetime.

Industrial Diseases: Death Certificates

Stephanie Peacock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment he has made of the effect of relaxing legislation on the completion of death certificates on the number of referrals of potential cases of death by industrial disease to coroners.

Stephanie Peacock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure that guidance on the completion of death certificates advises medical practitioners to take into account (a) the former occupation of deceased patients with suspected covid-19 and (b) that those patients may have suffered from industrial disease.

Ms Nadine Dorries: Holding answer received on 12 May 2020



In response to the provisions in the Coronavirus Act 2020 in relation to death certification, the General Register Office/Home Office and the Office for National Statistics published revised guidance to medical practitioners completing medical certificates cause of death (MCCD) for a period of emergency. Medical practitioners are expected to state the cause of death to the best of their knowledge and belief. This guidance confirms that COVID-19 is an acceptable direct or underlying cause of death for the purposes of completing the MCCD. The notification of death regulations 2019, 3(1)(ix) includes the requirement of notification to the coroner if the registered medical practitioner suspects that that the person’s death was due to an injury or disease attributable to any employment held by the person during the person’s lifetime.

NHS: Private Sector

Gavin Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 5 May 2020 to Question 41469, what payments the NHS has made to the private sector since the beginning of March 2020; and what the average value is of those payments.

Edward Argar: Holding answer received on 12 May 2020



An emergency agreement was put in place on 21 March to block book almost the entirety of the private hospital sector’s services, facilities and nearly 20,000 clinical staff for the foreseeable future to help cope with the surge of COVID-19 patients. Information about what payments the National Health Service has made to the private sector since this agreement was made or the average value of such payments is not currently available. All providers have agreed to a fully transparent approach and to provide services at cost price.

Department for International Development

Palestinians: Schools

Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, whether (a) UK direct or (b) multilateral aid to the Palestinian Authority provides any financial or in-kind support to schools named after terrorists.

James Cleverly: UK bilateral support to the Palestinian Authority contributes to the salaries of teachers in the West Bank who have been carefully vetted through the Palestinian-European Socio-Economic Management Assistance (PEGASE) mechanism. We do not monitor where individual teachers are deployed, which is a matter for the Palestinian Authority.Our multilateral support is channelled through Education Cannot Wait and the British Council, who have strong risk management systems in place to ensure that UK aid best supports the provision of quality education in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. We have raised our concerns about school naming at senior levels within the Palestinian Authority and will continue to do so.

Department for Education

Students: Coronavirus

Daniel Zeichner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether a year 13 student who is (a) employed or (b) volunteering full-time during the covid-19 oubreak is classified as (i) a mid-year leaver or (ii) still on-roll.

Gillian Keegan: As per published funding guidance, to count as retained:For academic programmes: a student must stay on or complete at least one of the academic aims in their programme in the academic year.For vocational programmes: a student must stay on or complete their core aim in the academic year. Year 13 students leaving education to take up a full time job or volunteering opportunity and who do not meet the above conditions, would not be count as retained. 16 to 19 providers have been asked to continue to provide care for vulnerable students and the dependants of key workers, and provide education remotely for other students. However, we have stated in our Further Education operational guidance that we are reviewing the impact of COVID-19 on student retention in the 16 to 19 funding formula and will provide further guidance on this and on recording leaving dates in due course. The guidance is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-further-education-provision/maintaining-education-and-skills-training-provision-further-education-providers.

Pupils: Coronavirus

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to his announcement on 1 May 2020 that schools could reopen on 1 June 2020, what his Department's policy is on pupils who live with people who are vulnerable to covid-19.

Nick Gibb: We have not set a date for schools reopening. Schools will only reopen when the scientific advice indicates that it is the right time to do so, based on five key tests.The Department is working in close consultation with the sector as we consider how to reopen schools when the time is right and will ensure everyone has sufficient notice to plan and prepare. The safety of staff, students and their families is our upmost priority.The Government has published guidance on protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19#staying-at-home-and-shielding.We have also published guidance on social distancing within schools, which includes guidance for staff and pupils who are in a vulnerable health group or live within someone who is:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-implementing-social-distancing-in-education-and-childcare-settings/coronavirus-covid-19-implementing-social-distancing-in-education-and-childcare-settingsThese are rapidly developing circumstances. We continue to keep the situation under review and will keep Parliament updated accordingly.

Special Educational Needs and Disability (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2020

Tulip Siddiq: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, which organisations he consulted before bringing forward the Special Educational Needs and Disability (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2020.

Vicky Ford: The Explanatory Memorandum to these Regulations outlined the nature of the consultation conducted. It states the following:“10.1 Given the importance of acting swiftly to change the law so as to free up local authorities, health commissioning bodies and the other public bodies concerned to respond to the current national public health emergency, no formal consultation was conducted. There is no legal requirement to consult on changes to the timescales covered in this instrument. 10.2 We have, however, discussed the principle of amending the timescales and why urgent action is needed with a range of stakeholders, including representative bodies for local authorities and parents of children with SEND and a number of specialist SEND organisations.” We routinely work across government and with a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) stakeholders and this has been more important than ever since the outbreak of COVID-19. One of the matters discussed in depth over recent weeks has been the need for emergency legislation, the drafting of the guidance to accompany it and the impact of the changes to the law. Stakeholders with whom we have had such conversations include the Council for Disabled Children, the National Network for Parent Carer Forums, Contact, the Association of Directors of Children’s Services and the Local Government Association.

Special Educational Needs

Carla Lockhart: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment he has made of the effect of school closures on the education of children with a statement of special education needs; and what steps his Department plans to take in response to that assessment.

Vicky Ford: The Department for Education (DfE) is committed to minimising the effects that school closures have on all children and young people, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). That is why we have asked educational settings to remain open to a limited number of children and young people, such as those with an education, health and care (EHC) plan, where a risk assessment has determined that their individual needs can be better supported at their school or college than at home.Where children and young people have stayed at home following a risk assessment, DfE has asked local authorities, schools and colleges and parent/carers to consider whether moving either equipment or services into a child or young person’s home would enable them to be better supported there. For access to the full risk assessment guidance:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-send-risk-assessment-guidance.DfE is assessing and carrying out research and surveys to help understand the impacts of COVID-19 on children and young people with EHC plans. We will use this information, alongside intelligence from engagement with key stakeholders, to inform the ongoing and future provision of support for children.Decisions on the return to school of pupils with EHC plans will be informed by existing risk assessments, which should be kept up to date. These risk assessments will also be used to phase any increase in attendance of children and young people with EHC plans while maintaining preventative measures so that they can be safely catered for in their setting.

Ministry of Justice

Children: Restraint Techniques

Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to the Answer of 21 January 2020 to Question 4350 on Children: Restraint Techniques, when the Charlie Taylor review on restraint techniques and children will be published; and what the time table is for the publication of the Government's response to that review.

Lucy Frazer: We are considering Charlie Taylor’s findings and recommendations and will shortly publish the report and the Government’s response together.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

High Rise Flats: Insulation

Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if his department will publish data on the number of blocks between 11 metres and 18 metres in height that have (a) ACM cladding and (b) other kinds of potentially dangerous cladding.

Christopher Pincher: Information on the external wall systems for residential buildings below 18 metres in height is not currently being collected by the Department while the data collection on external wall systems for residential buildings 18 metres or over in height is being undertaken. It is important to gain accurate information on these higher risk buildings first. We will consider further collections in due course.

Rented Housing: Coronavirus

Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if his Department will issue updated guidance to landlords on rent liability for tenants as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

Christopher Pincher: The Government has published relevant guidance for landlords and tenants which is available on the gov.uk website. This guidance makes clear that rent levels agreed in the tenancy agreement remain legally due and that tenants should continue to pay rent and abide by all other terms of their tenancy agreement to the best of their ability. Tenants who are unable to do so should speak to their landlord at the earliest opportunity. It is important that landlords offer support and understanding to tenants who may start to see their income fluctuate during this period.

Rented Housing: Coronavirus

Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if his Department will issue updated guidance for tenants on how to manage rent arrears as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

Christopher Pincher: The Government has published relevant guidance for landlords and tenants which is available on the gov.uk website. We have been clear in our guidance that tenants who are unable to pay their rent should contact their landlord to agree a sensible approach to manage the situation and agree a plan to deal with any rent arrears that may accrue. We are, of course, keeping guidance under review. There is also advice available for tenants dealing with rent arrears from specialist providers such as Citizens Advice and The Money Advice Service.

Local Government: Coronavirus

Dr Dan Poulter: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what plans his Department has to extend the time limit for local authorities to retain the proceeds of right to buy housing receipts.

Christopher Pincher: We are keeping the situation under review and will inform local authorities as soon as a decision has been made.

Ministry of Defence

Defence: Industry

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with his international counterparts on their plans to support their domestic defence industries after the covid-19 pandemic.

Jeremy Quin: With COVID-19 disruption affecting many of our closest international partners' industrial bases, the Ministry of Defence will continue to engage with our international partners to understand the implications for key programmes.

Defence: Procurement

Simon Baynes: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department has taken to support Government procurement during the covid-19 outbreak.

Jeremy Quin: The Ministry of Defence is utilising its considerable acquisition and commercial expertise to support the wider national effort against Covid-19 through providing a range of procurement, supply chain management and logistics advice across Government. The Department has also been closely liaising with its own suppliers.

Department for Work and Pensions

Universal Credit: Greater Manchester

Barbara Keeley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate she has made of the number of families on universal credit in 2018-19 in (a) Salford and (b) Worsley and Eccles South constituency; and what her policy is on foodbank referrals for those people.

Will Quince: Holding answer received on 06 May 2020



It is not Department for Work and Pensions policy to refer claimants to food banks. However, flexibility and innovation in local Jobcentre arrangements allow for signposting to foodbanks. In November 2019 the total number of households on Universal Credit in Salford was 12,395 and in Worsley and Eccles South constituency was 5,151. Source: Stat-Xplore, Department for Work and Pensions Notes:Statistical disclosure control has been applied to avoid the release of confidential data.A count date of the second Thursday of the month is used when calculating the statistics for the households on Universal Credit.Further information on the background and methodology can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-statistics-background-information-and-methodology/universal-credit-statistics-background-information-and-methodologyThese figures are provisional. These figures will be subject to revision in subsequent releases. It is expected that overall provisional figures will be within two per cent of their revised figure in future releases.This data is published and available at: https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.ukGuidance on how to extract information can be found at: https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/webapi/online-help/Getting-Started.html

Universal Credit: West Midlands

Suzanne Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the roll-out of universal credit in (a) the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley and (b) Stourbridge constituency.

Will Quince: Holding answer received on 13 May 2020



The Department successfully completed the rollout of Universal Credit in December 2018 and it is available in every Jobcentre across the country including those across the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley and Stourbridge constituency. It is a modern, agile, personalised system which has scrapped the ‘cliff edges’ featured across legacy benefits, where money was lost when working more than 16, 24 and 30 hours. Universal Credit provides claimants with the support they need to better prepare for work, move into work, or to increase earnings.

Jobcentres: Coronavirus

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to implement social distancing in Jobcentre Plus branches.

Mims Davies: DWP is committed to paying people benefits and supporting our citizens at this time. All face to face appointments have been suspended so that jobcentres are closed to the public except for in exceptional circumstances to minimise risk to the public and staff. Where colleagues can effectively contribute to the department’s response working from home then they are doing so. Not all colleagues can work from home because they need to access equipment, programmes and support to enable them to do their telephony and processing work. Measures are in place to ensure compliance with social distancing, including extensive communications, both through posters displayed in the office and on the department’s Intranet advising colleagues about how to work differently to ensure social distancing can be achieved. We have also put in place a route for staff to escalate concerns to our regional Health & Safety teams. Cleaning regimes have been enhanced to include additional targeted touchpoint cleaning. We will continue to follow Government guidance on social distancing and reflect best practice as the current situation evolves

Social Security Benefits: Medical Examinations

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent assessment she has made of her Department's ability to undertake (a) work capability and (b) disability assessments remotely.

Justin Tomlinson: We are closely monitoring all new assessment processes to ensure they are working well for those claiming health and disability benefits, as well as providing the right level of information to allow claims to be assessed. The department’s priority is ensuring people get their benefit payments and that we can continue to support those who need us most. We are working with all our Assessment Providers to ensure we do not place people claiming health and disability benefits at unnecessary risk. As a temporary measure, this has included suspending face-to-face assessments and introducing telephone assessments. Health Professionals continue to make recommendations based on paper-based evidence, where possible, to avoid unnecessary assessments.

Social Security Benefits: Medical Examinations

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what her timetable is for the resumption of her Department's (a) work capability and (b) disability assessments.

Justin Tomlinson: Assessments haven’t stopped. From 17 March we suspended face to face assessments for sickness and disability benefits for 3 months to protect vulnerable people (and assessment centre staff) from unnecessary risk of exposure to COVID-19. As always, wherever possible we will do a paper-based assessment. If further information is needed, the assessment provider may arrange a telephone assessment.

Personal Independence Payment

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many applications for personal independence payment were made in (a) March and (b) April 2020.

Justin Tomlinson: The information requested for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) new claims registrations made in March and April 2020 is not yet readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost. It is due for future publication in the PIP Quarterly Official Statistics which will be released on 11 June 2020.

Personal Independence Payment

Sir Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will take steps to ensure that personal independence payments made following a decision by an Appeals Tribunal are automatically extended in line with other personal independence payments that are currently being automatically extended in cases where the decision to make an award was made by her Department; and if she will make a statement.

Justin Tomlinson: Since 24 March the Department has been extending awards of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) due to end from that date onwards, regardless of whether the final decision on the award was made by a Case Manager or a Tribunal.

Employment: Disability

Dr Lisa Cameron: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what plans her Department has to monitor the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on its goal of supporting one million more disabled people into work.

Justin Tomlinson: The Government is committed to reducing the disability employment gap and seeing one million more disabled people in work between 2017 and 2027. We continue to monitor employment of disabled people using the quarterly Labour Force Survey along with other relevant sources. Collection of this information is happening now but there will be a period until data needed to robustly assess the effects of the covid-19 outbreak on disabled people’s employment is available. Labour Force Survey statistics for the first quarter of 2020, will be reported by the Office for National Statistics on 19 May 2020, covering the very start of the covid-19 outbreak in March. Statistics for the second quarter of 2020 will be available in August. The Office for National Statistics is producing a range of wider information about the social and economic impacts of covid-19 such as the Business Impact of Coronavirus (BIC) survey. Statistics from the ONS Omnibus survey for 3 April 2020 to 13 April 2020 show that a lower proportion of disabled people than non-disabled people were worried about aspects of work and household finances.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Developing a National Food Strategy Independent Review

Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to publish an interim report on the independent review led by Henry Dimbleby entitled Developing a National Food Strategy.

Victoria Prentis: Henry Dimbleby was commissioned to lead an independent review to develop recommendations to shape a National Food Strategy, which will address challenges such as food security, health and climate change. The independent review was due to publish the National Food Strategy Part 1: Diagnosis and Vision in Spring 2020. This has been delayed to focus efforts on the COVID-19 response. Although no firm date for publication can be given at this time, the National Food Strategy remains a priority for the Government and work will resume as soon as possible. The Government remains committed to responding to the review’s final recommendations in the form of a White Paper within 6 months of the release of the final report.

Wildlife: Smuggling

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will introduce a moratorium on wildlife trade entering the UK.

Victoria Prentis: Although we have no plans at this time to introduce a moratorium on wildlife trade coming into the UK, there are strong rules in place in the UK to ensure any such trade is sustainable, safe, disease and pest free, and legal. We will remain at the forefront of ensuring these remain sufficient, including through international fora such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the World Organisation for Animal Health, the World Trade Organization and the World Customs Organization. The international trade in wildlife is a complex matter, touching on environmental, social and economic aspects.

Home Office

Counter-terrorism: United Nations

Conor McGinn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what roles (a) her Department and (b) the Government have in the review of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.

James Brokenshire: Her Majesty’s Government (HMG) will be taking a leading role in negotiating the UN review of its Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.The review is currently scheduled to take place in June and July 2020 but may be delayed due to COVID-19. When it does occur we will work through the UK Mission to the United Nations in New York to achieve international consensus on the UN’s approach to Counter Terrorism. The Home Office will work together with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to coordinate input to the review from across HMG, to ensure that all departmental interests are reflected in the UK’s position.

Detention Centres: Coronavirus

Mr Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans she has to release detainees from immigration removal centres in response to the covid-19 outbreak; and what steps she is taking to ensure the health and protection of the remaining detainees.

Chris Philp: We only detain people where it is absolutely necessary, with decisions made on a case-by-case basis and kept under constant review but it is only right that we protect the public from high-harm individuals, which is why the vast majority of those in detention are foreign national offenders.The health of those in immigration removal centres is of the utmost importance and Immigration Enforcement are following the latest guidance from Public Health England. Measures such as protective isolation will be considered on a case by case basis to minimise the risk of COVID-19 spreading to vulnerable groups in the immigration detention estate. Further measures including shielding, single occupancy rooms and the cessation of social visits have been introduced in line with the Government direction on social distancing.As of 13 May there are no cases of COVID-19 in the immigration detention estate.

Immigrants: Finance

Kate Osamor: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the average time taken is for applicants to receive a decision from her Department after filing a change of conditions application to have the no recourse to public funds restriction lifted.

Kevin Foster: Migrants with limited leave to remain under the Family and Human Rights routes can apply to have the no recourse to public funds restriction lifted by making a ‘change of conditions’ application if there has been a change in their financial circumstances.The information you have requested is not assured to the standard required by ONS for publication and as it would be too costly to do so, we are unable to provide it. However, my department has recently digitised the application form, to make sure it is accessible for those who need to remain at home, and I can assure you that the applications are being prioritised and dealt with compassionately.

Serious Violence Taskforce

Nick Thomas-Symonds: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when the serious violence taskforce last met.

Nick Thomas-Symonds: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when the serious violence taskforce next plans to meet.

Kit Malthouse: The Serious Violence Taskforce was established in 2018 to oversee the implementation of the Serious Violence Strategy. It last met on 26 June 2019.The Government remains incredibly grateful for the work of the Taskforce which brought together Ministers, senior leaders and key partners. The Taskforce influenced additional action and investment in this area, for example through the creation of the new £200m Youth Endowment Fund, the consultation on the new duty on agencies to reduce serious violence and the launch of the Independent Review of Drugs Misuse.The Government’s Manifesto set out an ambitious package of reforms to deliver on the people’s priorities and tackle violent crime and safeguard people’s streets and neighbourhoods. The Prime Minister and Home Secretary are driving this with a new cross-Whitehall Crime and Justice Taskforce to ensure we use every lever at our disposal to fight crime.We will consider the future role for the Serious Violence Taskforce in delivering these priorities, within this context.

Cabinet Office

Coronavirus: Death

Siobhain McDonagh: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many people have died from covid-19 in the UK, by faith group.

Chloe Smith: The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.



UKSA Response 
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Death: Coronavirus

Siobhain McDonagh: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many people who have died from covid-19 in the UK had underlying health conditions.

Siobhain McDonagh: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the most common underlying health conditions are for people who have died from covid-19 in the UK.

Chloe Smith: The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.



UKSA Response 
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Coronavirus: Death

Alex Sobel: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he plans to release sex-disaggregated dataon covid-19 victims.

Chloe Smith: The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.



UKSA Response
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Death

Sammy Wilson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will make a comparative assessment of the number of people who died from (a) heart attacks, (b) cancer, (c) strokes and (d) flu from 1 January to 31 March (i) 2020 and (ii) 2019.

Chloe Smith: The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.



UKSA Response 
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Protective Clothing: Coronavirus

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will take steps to co-ordinate the stockpiling of non-medical face masks for public use during the covid-19 outbreak.

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will make any estimate of the number of non-medical face masks that would be required to be produced in the event that the Government makes the wearing of such face masks mandatory for the general public during the covid-19 outbreak.

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will take steps to plan for the effective and fair distribution of non-medical face masks to the general public in preparation for the event that the Government requires the general public to wear non-medical face masks or coverings during the covid-19 outbreak.

Chloe Smith: The Government has recently published guidance on staying safe outside the home during the COVID-19 pandemic: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/staying-safe-outside-your-home/staying-safe-outside-your-home.The guidance recommends that people should aim to wear a face-covering in enclosed spaces where social distancing is not always possible and they come into contact with others that they do not normally meet.Guidance on wearing and making a face covering is also available on GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-wear-and-make-a-cloth-face-covering/how-to-wear-and-make-a-cloth-face-covering#wearing-a-face-covering

Civil Servants: Coronavirus

Helen Hayes: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to ensure that civil servants who are unable to work remotely during the covid-19 outbreak have (a) access to personal protective equipment where needed and (b) social distancing measures in place.

Chloe Smith: Cabinet Office is following the government and Public Health England advice on supplying PPE and social distancing - to stay alert, stay safe and save lives. The Cabinet Office is currently working with the Government Property Agency and delivery partners to plan for the gradual reoccupation of our buildings and will continue to follow the advice from PHE as it develops.

Climate Change Cabinet Committee

Matthew Pennycook: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, how many times the Cabinet Committee on Climate Change has met since its establishment.

Penny Mordaunt: It is a long established precedent that detailed information about the discussions that have taken place in Cabinet and its Committees, and how often they have met, is not shared publicly.

Ethnic Groups: Coronavirus

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the  Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many BAME people have died in Leicester as a result of contracting covid-19.

Chloe Smith: The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.



UKSA Response
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Civil Partnerships and Marriage

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, on what date (a) weddings and (b) civil partnerships with (i) a small number of guests and (ii) social distancing measures can resume.

Penny Mordaunt: A Plan To Rebuild, the Government's COVID-19 Recovery Strategy, is published on gov.uk and includes details on plans for weddings.

Treasury

Self-employed

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many people have registered as self-employed with HMRC since 6 April 2019.

Jesse Norman: The newly self-employed have until 5 October after the end of the tax year in which they become self-employed to register with HMRC and until the following 31 January to file a return. Reliable data only becomes available after these dates are passed.

Immigrants: Coronavirus

Kate Osamor: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with the Home Secretary on the potential merits of removing the no recourse to public funds conditions during the covid-19 outbreak.

Jesse Norman: The Chancellor and Home Secretary have regular discussions on matters of importance for the Home Office. The Home Office leads on policy towards those with no recourse to public funds (NRPF) and is working closely with the Treasury and other government departments, including the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Department of Health and Social Care to support people, including migrants with NRPF, through this crisis. Departments are sharing what they are learning from other bodies and charities with each other to ensure that the Government continues to take a compassionate and pragmatic approach to an unprecedented situation.

Self-employment Income Support Scheme

Rushanara Ali: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many applications for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme have been refused.

Jesse Norman: The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) claims service opened on 13 May 2020, ahead of schedule. Eligibility for SEISS is based on average trading profits for sole traders and income from partnerships. More information on the eligibility criteria can be found here:https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-19-self-employment-income-support-scheme HMRC do not refuse applications for the scheme. People are either eligible to apply for SEISS and therefore given access to the service, or they are ineligible and not given access. Eligibility is based strictly on the criteria set by the Chancellor. Figures relating to the number identified as potentially eligible, yet not claiming, are not available as this is not a HMRC decision. Once the scheme is closed, HMRC will be able to quantify how many of those identified as potentially eligible did not apply. Those ineligible for SEISS may still benefit from other support. Individuals may have access to a range of grants and loans depending on their circumstances, and the SEISS supplements the significant support already announced for UK businesses, including the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and the deferral of tax payments. More information about the full range of business support measures is available at www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/.

VAT: Coronavirus

Julian Sturdy: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the potential effect on consumer spending of reducing the rate of VAT during the covid-19 outbreak.

Jesse Norman: VAT raised £130 billion in revenue in 2019/2020 for the Exchequer and plays an important part in funding the Government’s spending priorities, including hospitals, schools and defence. Reducing the standard rate would come at a considerable cost to the Exchequer. However, the Government keeps all taxes under review. In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Chancellor has announced a range of measures to help individuals and businesses through the crisis, including grants, loans and relief from business rates worth more than £300 billion.

Leisure and Service Industries: Non-domestic Rates

Julian Sturdy: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate his Department has made of the number of leisure and hospitality businesses that would benefit from an increase in the business rate relief threshold to £150,000.

Jesse Norman: The business rates holiday for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure properties in 2020-21 does not have a rateable value threshold, meaning properties of any size can benefit. The Chancellor announced the removal of the previous £51,000 threshold from this relief on 17 March 2020.

Self-employment Income Support Scheme

Kate Osamor: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent estimate his Department has made of the number of self-employed workers who have been excluded from the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.

Jesse Norman: HMRC are currently using Self-Assessment data to identify those eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS), and aim to contact those eligible by mid-May 2020. An updated estimate of the numbers excluded will not be held until this work has concluded. Eligibility for SEISS is based on average trading profits for sole traders and income from partnerships. More information on the eligibility criteria can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-19-self-employment-income-support-scheme. Those ineligible for SEISS may still benefit from other support. Individuals may have access to a range of grants and loans depending on their circumstances, and the SEISS supplements the significant support already announced for UK businesses, including the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and the deferral of tax payments. More information about the full range of business support measures is available at www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/.

Treasury: Coronavirus

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has undertaken an equality impact assessment of his Department's response to the covid-19 outbreak.

Kemi Badenoch: HM Treasury takes care to pay due regard to the equality impacts of its policy decisions relating to the Covid-19 outbreak, in line with all legal requirements and the Government’s commitment to promoting equality. There are internal procedural requirements and support in place for ensuring that such considerations inform decisions taken by Ministers.

Charities: Coronavirus

Amy Callaghan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to publish further guidance for charities on accessing Government support during the covid-19 outbreak.

Kemi Badenoch: The Government has set out a £750 million package of support for charities providing key services and supporting vulnerable people during the COVID-19 crisis. This will enable such organisations to continue providing essential services to those most in need. Funding for charities is now starting to be disbursed and the most up to date information is available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-the-charity-sector#government-financial-support-for-charities. Our aim is to get funding to those in greatest need as soon as possible. Many charities and social enterprises will benefit from the existing measures announced to support employers and businesses. The Business Support website provides further information about how businesses can access the support that has been made available, who is eligible, when the schemes open and how to apply: https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support.

Members: Correspondence

Pete Wishart: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to respond to the letter of 5 May 2020 from the hon. Member for Perth and North Perthshire, reference PW10460.

Pete Wishart: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to respond to the letter of 13 April 2020 from the hon. Member for Perth and North Perthshire, reference PW10279.

Pete Wishart: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to respond to the letter of 13 April 2020 from the hon Member for Perth and North Perthshire, reference PW10280.

Pete Wishart: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to respond to the letter of 13 April 2020 from the hon Member for Perth and North Perthshire, reference PW10269.

Pete Wishart: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to respond to the letter of 10 April 2020 from the hon Member for Perth and North Perthshire, reference PW10257.

Pete Wishart: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to respond to the letter of 10 April 2020 from the hon Member for Perth and North Perthshire, reference PW10256.

Pete Wishart: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to respond to the letter of 10 April 2020 from the hon. Member for Perth and North Perthshire, reference PW10229.

Pete Wishart: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to respond to the letter of 10 April 2020 from the hon. Member for Perth and North Perthshire, reference PW10148.

Pete Wishart: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to respond to the letter of 7 April 2020 from the hon. Member for Perth and North Perthshire, reference PW10191.

Angela Crawley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to respond to the letters of (a) 27 March, (b) 1 April and (c) 16 April 2020 from the hon. Member for Lanark and Hamilton East on the Coronavirus Jobs Retention Scheme.

Pete Wishart: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to respond to the letter of 6 April 2020 from the hon. Member for Perth and North Perthshire, reference PW10140.

Pete Wishart: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to respond to the letter of 10 April 2020 from the hon. Member for Perth and North Perthshire, reference PW10231.

Pete Wishart: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to respond to the letter of 8 April 2020 from the hon. Member for Perth and North Perthshire, reference PW10203.

Pete Wishart: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to respond to the letter of 7 April 2020 from the hon. Member for Perth and North Perthshire, reference PW10166.

Pete Wishart: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to respond to the letter of 8 April 2020 from the hon. Member for Perth and North Perthshire, reference PW10205.

Pete Wishart: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to respond to the letter of 6 April 2020 from the hon. Member for Perth and North Perthshire, reference PW10146.

Pete Wishart: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to respond to the letter of 20 April 2020 from the hon. Member for Perth and North Perthshire, reference PW10349.

Pete Wishart: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to respond to the letter of 17 April 2020 from the hon. Member for Perth and North Perthshire, reference PW10336.

Pete Wishart: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to respond to the letter of 15 April 2020 from the hon. Member for Perth and North Perthshire, reference PW10296DM.

Pete Wishart: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to respond to the letter of 6 April 2020 from the hon. Member for Perth and North Perthshire, reference PW10016.

Pete Wishart: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to respond to the letter of 6 April 2020 from the hon. Member for Perth and North Perthshire, reference PW10080.

Jesse Norman: HM Treasury has received unprecedented amounts of correspondence since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, and apologises for the delay in responding to the Honourable Member. The Honourable Member’s correspondence is receiving attention and will be replied to as soon as possible.

Roads: Freight

Dr Luke Evans: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to support the road haulage industry after the covid-19 outbreak.

Kemi Badenoch: The Government recognises the extreme disruption to businesses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is why the Government has announced unprecedented support for businesses, including a business rates holiday, grants to smaller businesses and a package of government-backed and guaranteed loans. Budget announced that fuel duty would be frozen for a tenth consecutive year, and that HGV VED and levy rates would also be frozen again in 2020-21. Haulage businesses have also benefitted from the reduced by price of fuel: diesel pump prices in the week of the 11th of May were down 20.5p per litre compared to a year ago.

Business: Coronavirus

Chris Elmore: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on long-term support for businesses who have been detrimentally affected by the covid-19 pandemic.

Kemi Badenoch: The Government has announced unprecedented support for business and workers to protect them against the current economic emergency including almost £300 billion of guarantees – equivalent to 15% of UK GDP. We have taken steps to give businesses access to cash to pay rent, salaries or suppliers, alongside a commitment to pay 80% of the regular monthly wages, up to £2,500, of furloughed workers via the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). On 12 May the Chancellor announced that the CJRS would be extended for a further three months until October. The Government will continue to monitor developments to understand the impacts of COVID-19 on business.

Business: Coronavirus

Simon Baynes: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of his Department's covid-19 support schemes for (a) small businesses, (b) SMEs and (c) large businesses.

Kemi Badenoch: The Government has announced unprecedented support for business and workers to protect them against the current economic emergency including almost £300 billion of guarantees – equivalent to 15% of UK GDP. On 12 May the Government published new statistics that show businesses have benefitted from over £14 billion in loans and guarantees to support their cashflow during the crisis. This includes:· 268,000 Bounce Back Loans (BBL) for small businesses, worth £8.3 billion· 36,000 loans worth over £6 billion through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) for SMEs· £359 million through the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS) for large firmsFigures from the Bank of England show that over £17.5 billion has been distributed to large firms through the Covid Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF). Together, these schemes ensure almost all viable UK businesses can apply for a government backed loan.In addition, the Government has implemented a range of further measures which are providing support to millions of businesses of all sizes, including:· The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) – now extended until October· A 12-month business rates holiday for all eligible retail, leisure and hospitality businesses in England· Grant funding for small businesses, and retail, leisure and hospitality businesses· VAT deferral for up to 12 months· The Time To Pay scheme, through which businesses in financial distress, and with outstanding tax liabilities, can receive support with their tax affairs· Protection for commercial leaseholders against automatic forfeiture for non-payment until June 30 2020

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Arts: Self-employment Income Support Scheme

Jeff Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment his Department has made of the proportion of self-employed workers in the creative sector that are not eligible for the Self-Employed Income Support scheme.

Jeff Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the support available for creative sector businesses that are not eligible for the (a) Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund and (b) Small Business Grant Fund.

Jeff Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what estimate his Department has made of the proportion of (a) workers and (b) businesses in the creative sector that are not eligible for any of the Government's covid-19- specific financial support packages.

Caroline Dinenage: No such estimates have been made. However, we appreciate that the Covid-19 pandemic presents a significant challenge to many of DCMS’ sectors including the Creative Industries which is why the Government has announced unprecedented support for business and workers to protect them against the current economic emergency.To ensure we are assisting the sectors as effectively as possible, regular ministerially-chaired roundtables are held with business representative organisations as well as trade associations from across the Creative Industries. In addition, officials are in regular contact with stakeholders from these sectors, and we continue to speak with HM Treasury colleagues to ensure that the full spectrum of government support reaches the UK's world-leading media and Creative Industries.

Arts and Music: Coronavirus

Jeff Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if his Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of providing financial support packages for (a) music, (b) arts and (c) other festivals as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

Caroline Dinenage: We appreciate that the Covid-19 pandemic presents a significant challenge to many of DCMS’ sectors including the arts, music and other festivals, which is why the government has announced unprecedented support for business and workers to protect them against the current economic emergency. DCMS is engaging with a range of departments to support the economic response, and ensuring that the needs of its sectors, and those who work in them, are fully understood. DCMS will continue to work with these valuable sectors to understand the difficulties they face and help them access support through these challenging times and through recovery.

Angling

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether he has made an assessment of the implications for his policies of the Angling Trust report entitled When We Fish Again; and what his timetable is for enabling the sport of angling to commence again.

Nigel Huddleston: It is vital that people continue to be active during the Covid-19 outbreak to support their physical and mental healthOn 11 May, Government published updated guidance on lockdown measures, including updates on how people can remain active. From Wednesday 13 May, people are allowed to go outside more than once a day for exercise as long as they are following social distancing guidelines, alone, with members of their household, or with one person from outside of their household. People must still only exercise in groups of no more than two people, unless they are exercising with their household.All outdoor sports and physical activities are now permitted, without time limit, including angling, with the exception of swimming in an open-air swimming pool. This does not apply to individuals’ private swimming pools within their own homes.

Entertainments: Coronavirus

Dr James Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions he has had with representatives of the entertainment sector on long-term support for freelancers who have been affected by the covid-19 outbreak.

Caroline Dinenage: The government appreciates that the Covid-19 pandemic presents a significant challenge to many of DCMS’ sectors including the Creative Industries, which is why we announced unprecedented support for business and workers to protect them against the current economic emergency. To ensure we are assisting the sectors as effectively as possible, regular ministerially-chaired roundtables are held with business representative organisations as well as trade associations from across the Creative Industries. In addition, officials are in regular contact with stakeholders from these sectors, and we continue to speak with HM Treasury colleagues to ensure that the full spectrum of government support reaches the UK's world-leading media and Creative Industries.

Internet: Safety

Carla Lockhart: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent progress he has made in discussions with Ofcom on the regulation of online harms.

Caroline Dinenage: In February this year, the government announced that it was minded to give Ofcom the role of the online harms regulator. We are committed to working closely with Ofcom as we continue to develop the regulatory framework.The government will set out the final details of the policy in a full Government Response to the Online Harms White Paper consultation.

Royal Parks: Coronavirus

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if he will hold discussions with representatives of Royal Parks on (a) extending cycle routes, (b) upgrading cycle route markings and (c) enforcing cycling restrictions on pedestrian only areas of the Royal Parks during the covid-19 outbreak.

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if he will take steps with the Royal Parks to introduce designated areas for jogging that are separate from pedestrian areas in those parks in response to the covid-19 outbreak.

Nigel Huddleston: Day to day operational management of The Royal Parks is matter for The Royal Parks charity. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to you to respond to your questions.

Angling: Coronavirus

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the Answer of 11 May 2020 to Question 43023 on Angling: Coronavirus, whether the Government's guidance on angling has changed as a result of the Prime Minister’s covid-19 announcement on 10 May 2020.

Nigel Huddleston: On 11 May, Government published updated guidance on lockdown measures, including updates on how people can remain active. From Wednesday 13 May, people are allowed to go outside more than once a day for exercise as long as they are following social distancing guidelines, alone, with members of their household, or with one person from outside of their household. People must still only exercise in groups of no more than two people, unless they are exercising with their household.All outdoor sports and physical activities are now permitted, without time limit, including angling. Swimming in an open-air swimming pool is an exception, however, this does not apply to individuals’ private swimming pools within their own homes.